Eating within confined hours may aid weight loss, says study
New research suggests that the time of day we eat may play a role in weight gain. A study conducted on mice found that when the rodents on a high-fat diet were restricted to eating within an eight-hour period, they consumed the same amount of food as those who had access to food throughout the day. However, the mice with unrestricted eating times were more likely to become obese or develop metabolic disorders.
The findings raise the possibility that food is better processed by the body when consumed within a specific time frame. The researchers highlight the potential benefits of restricting eating hours for weight loss and improved metabolic health.
However, it is important to note that this study was conducted on mice, and further research is needed to determine whether these findings apply to humans.
Mental distractions can reduce the perception and physical level of pain, according to a study from Germany. In the experiments, participants were assigned to complete either a hard or easy memory task while experiencing heat-induced pain on their arms. Those who performed the more difficult memory task reported feeling less pain compared to those who performed the easier task.
In a second experiment, researchers administered either naloxone, a medication that blocks pain-suppressing chemicals, or a placebo saline injection to the participants. The group given naloxone showed a 40 percent decrease in their pain tolerance when engaged in mental distraction.
These results suggest that naturally produced chemicals in the brain, known as endogenous opioids, play a role in reducing pain when individuals are mentally distracted.
It’s important to emphasize that this study was conducted on a small number of men, so the findings may not be applicable to all individuals.
In conclusion, the timing of food consumption may impact weight gain, as suggested by the study on mice. Additionally, mental distractions can contribute to increased pain tolerance, possibly due to the release of opioids in the brain. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings and understand their implications for human health.
